(COON RAPIDS) – There’s no swimming this summer at Bunker Beach because of COVID-19, but there’s plenty of work going on. The shutdown is allowing work crews to get a head start on building a new wave pool.
Construction crews started tearing down the 32 year old wave pool in June. That’s three months ahead of the original schedule. It’s a $6.5 million project to completely replace the old pool. County officials say the concrete was failing and the mechanics and piping all needed replacing. The new pool will be complete updated.
A concept drawing of the new and improved Bunker Beach attraction that is scheduled to open in 2021.
“We plan on opening the first Saturday in June of 2021. We are poised to open a new contemporary wave pool. It’s going to include a children’s lagoon area with spray features,” said Jeff Perry, Anoka County Parks Director. “There will be 3-foot roller waves with 8 different wave options which will be unique for the public to enjoy a facility like this. Hopefully we can reward them for closing down in 2020 with a new wave pool in 2021.”
The new pool will also be heated, which should make it easier to use in early June when temperatures are still pretty cool. The new pool will have a capacity of more than 1,000 people.
